Hwei-Ling Greeney

Founder and Executive Director of Amherst Community Connections

Hwei-Ling started her long-term commitment to serving community members at local soup kitchen Not Bread Alone where she worked for over twelve years. Her commitment to serving people there, (driven by her love for cooking and her passion for sharing the delicious meals she prepares to the people who need it most), ended up being a pivotal moment in her life. She recalled fondly how one particular patron whom she served for over ten years, was “very bright” and would always stay after they were done serving the meal to help her clean up. She elaborated how he inspired her to look for more ways to fulfill the variety of unmet needs of the community that she was serving, “I was serving people delicious hot meals, but I thought to myself, ‘That’s just not enough!’... I wanted to do more.” And do more she did when she founded Amherst Community Connections in September of 2009 where she has been helping to connect the local homeless and at-risk-of-homelessness populations to the organizations and resources that they need. This includes helping them access much needed emergency housing, funding, and resources as well as working with them to find permanent solutions to their homelessness and the many other challenges they face.

When she is not too busy lending her compassion, knowledge, and expertise to those in need, however, you might be able to catch her taking long walks around the area listening to her favorite podcasts such as This American Life, On the Media, and TED Talk. Although keeping up with her will probably come as a challenge to many since Mrs. Greeney can boast an impressive average of 8-10 miles of walking every day, (or about 20-28,000 steps daily), according to her Fitbit, which lends itself to her family’s competition to see who can be the most active. Although competition is only a small element in her active lifestyle. She confided in me with a warm smile that her motivation is better found in what she does while out walking, “Sometimes when I get listening to a podcast and it’s really good I just keep walking, and walking, and walking… I just don’t stop!” As far as anyone here at ACC can tell that seems to hold true for everything that she does, including her work!

Pin-Hsiu Lee

Role in ACC: Caseworker

Pin-Hsiu Lee received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing, with a particular passion for mental health education and patient care. She channeled this passion into meaningful work as a research fellow at a nonprofit organization, where she focused on enhancing mental health education programs for middle school students. She later transitioned to working as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric care, providing crucial support and comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments.

Her professional journey has been enriched by international experience, including a year living in Germany. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, she returned to Taiwan to serve as an epidemic prevention nurse, contributing to public health efforts during a critical time. Throughout her career, she has maintained a steadfast commitment to service and public health advancement.

Currently, she volunteers at ACC (Amherst Community Connections), where she focuses on two main goals: improving her English and understanding homelessness in the community. Through her time at ACC, she has gained valuable insights into how homelessness affects people in the United States. This experience sparked her curiosity about the differences between homelessness in Amherst and her hometown of Taipei. She conducted research on this topic and shared her findings with the ACC staff as part of the agency's research projects summer research project.

Outside of her volunteer work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the local community. The warmth and friendliness of Amherst have made it a wonderful place for her to call home, and she continues to discover new aspects of life in this welcoming town.

Chiara Ruiz

Role in ACC: Caseworker

Growing up in the Bronx, the most impoverished borough of New York City, I have a deeply personal understanding of facing economic and social challenges. Financial struggles were a constant in my household, shaping my early experiences and providing me with insight into the barriers many disadvantaged individuals face. This upbringing instilled a strong sense of empathy and determination to support vulnerable members of the community, especially those who have navigated the difficulties of systemic inequalities. Transitioning to a prestigious Manhattan high school was both an opportunity and a harsh realization. The stark differences between my under-resourced neighborhood to a prestigious academic environment highlighted the overwhelming disparities existing between different socio-economic backgrounds. I encountered bias and exclusion, often being judged solely based on status rather than character. This exposure underscored prevalent inequalities within society and fueled my desire to advocate for equal opportunities. My experience with public benefit programs has given me insights into the complexities of navigating such systems. This perspective equips me to guide others facing similar challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary support to overcome obstacles. Working professionally with students who have mental health concerns, developmental impairments, and economic disadvantages has sharpened my ability to support and understand them. My dedication to helping vulnerable groups has been strengthened through my encounters with these students. Through my employment, I have acquired a unique array of skills, including empathy, problem-solving, and advocacy. My main objective is to develop and promote equity for vulnerable populations by combining my personal, educational, and professional experiences. 

As for what I do outside of work and school. I find solace in world literature, since it broadens my understanding of diverse perspectives. A Lot of the time you’ll find me either walking around the mountains of Amherst or by the skyscrapers of New York City listening to Lana Del Rey. Additionally, I enjoy hiking and painting, which permits me to connect with myself and others meaningfully. I also love traveling and experiencing different ways of life elsewhere. 

Fawwaz Chowhan

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I am excited to apply for the Amherst Community Connections internship program, as it aligns with my passion for serving vulnerable communities and my long-term goal of practicing medicine. The opportunity to support low-income, homeless, disenfranchised, formerly incarcerated, and disabled individuals is particularly meaningful to me, as I believe in the importance of providing equitable access to resources and care for all members of society.

Growing up in Pakistan, I witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized communities. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to advocating for those who are often overlooked. My volunteer work as a Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador has further solidified my dedication to community service. Through this role, I have interacted with diverse individuals, listened to their stories, and provided support during critical moments. This has not only enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills but has also deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations.

As a biology student at UMass Amherst, I have developed a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and analytical thinking. These skills are complemented by my practical experience in research, where I have honed my ability to assess complex situations, gather relevant information, and develop evidence-based solutions. Additionally, my work experience in various administrative roles has equipped me with organizational and problem-solving skills that are essential for effective case management. I am proficient in using tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, which will aid in maintaining accurate records and developing comprehensive case plans.

My life experiences and strengths make me well-suited to serve as a caseworker. I understand the importance of approaching each individual with empathy, respect, and a non-judgmental attitude. My multilingual abilities in English, French, Urdu/Hindi, and Punjabi will enable me to communicate effectively with diverse clients, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to services.

In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, jogging, and watching funny Bollywood films with my family. These activities provide me with a sense of balance and well-being, which is crucial for maintaining resilience and a positive outlook. Engaging in physical activities like soccer and running helps me stay fit and relieves stress, while watching movies allows me to connect with my cultural roots and unwind.

Caitlin Connors

Role in ACC: Caseworker

My name is Caitlin and I am a first-generation college student and senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I have always been drawn to the “helping professions,” which has led me to pursue jobs in client care, an undergraduate education in psychology and social work, and an eventual masters degree and career in clinical social work. I have over a year of experience in client care working with children with Autism and/or ADHD. I have dedicated my studies at UMass Amherst as well as my independent research and volunteer hours to social work and welfare, and I have found that I align well with the values of the field and have a passion for caring for the well-being of others. While my long term goals are clinically focused, I believe that mental healthcare starts with creating a financially, emotionally, and physically stable and safe environment for every individual. While this isn’t always possible in every case, places like Amherst Community Connections are able to provide assistance in creating the kind of environment that is conducive to better mental and physical health for low-income, homeless, disenfranchised, formerly incarcerated, and/or disabled members of our community. By filling out subsidized housing applications, assisting with employment searches, and applying for public benefits, I am able to take part in and learn about one of the most critical pieces of helping others with their mental health, which I’m incredibly passionate about. I have seen firsthand the benefits of these kinds of programs when my mother had food assistance during her battle with cancer, and I am excited to have the potential opportunity to do the same for others. 

Due to the emotionally taxing nature of my current jobs and expected career, in my free time I enjoy hobbies that improve my own mental and physical health. I spend time gardening, baking bread, crafting, and spending time in nature. I also love spending time with my loved ones and friends as well as my two adorable cats. I am incredibly excited to be working with the ACC team in assisting my community.

Lauren Swandrak

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I believe in the power of compassion and support to create lasting change. Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives and overcome the obstacles they face, regardless of their past or present circumstances. I am committed to advocating for those who are often marginalized, providing them with the resources and guidance they need to move forward. Based on my deep commitment to advocacy and support for marginalized individuals.

Growing up with close family members who have faced significant challenges such as addiction, homelessness, and incarceration has deeply shaped my perspective and has equipped me with unique strengths and skills that will benefit me as a caseworker. My aunt has faced numerous challenges, from finding stable housing to accessing consistent healthcare and her journey through recovery and relapse cycles has opened my eyes to the complex nature of addiction and barriers that often prevent individuals from receiving the help they need. Similarly, my cousin's repeated encounters with the criminal justice system have profoundly influenced my perspective on crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.These experiences have instilled in me profound empathy and understanding of the complex issues that many individuals face and it has taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and the power of a supportive community.

 In my free time, I prioritize spending quality moments with my family and friends, as these relationships are essential to my well-being and happiness. These connections provide me with a sense of deep belonging and support as my close family and friends have been with me through every stage of my life. Additionally, staying active is important to me as it helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle and serves as a productive way to relieve stress. Playing video games occasionally is another hobby of mine, offering both a creative outlet and a way to unwind. Additionally, I love diving into a good book, as it allows me to explore new ideas and immerse myself in different worlds. Balancing these activities allows me to stay connected, mentally stimulated, and physically active. The activities I do within my free time all help me maintain a balanced and fulfilling life, providing me with the energy and perspective to approach my work with enthusiasm and a clear mind. These hobbies also foster my resilience, empathy, and focus, equipping me to be a compassionate and effective caseworker who can handle challenges with a steady and open mind.

Lily Lavier

Role in ACC: Caseworker

My name is Lily Lavier, I am a senior at UMass Amherst studying political science, economics and gender studies. I am originally from Austin, Texas. While the skills I have gained through research at UMass have been valuable, I can’t help but feel like there is something missing from my experience. Public policy and social work have been of interest to me for many years, but there is a disconnect between what can be learned in the classroom and what can be achieved by actually connecting with your community, understanding what the needs of that community are, and how to best meet those needs. In Austin, Texas, I witnessed immense inequality, and continue to see these issues persist in Hampshire County since moving here three years ago. I strongly believe that housing is a human right. It is necessary for survival to have a safe place to live and vital to overall well-being to be a part of a community and feel a sense of belonging and security. I am committed to ACC’s mission to provide steps to achieve this, because without meeting basic needs, it is nearly impossible for people to achieve next steps towards empowerment. 

An experience significant to me was during my semester exchange in Dublin, Ireland. I taught English conversation classes to refugees and asylum seekers primarily from Ukraine. Over the course of three months, I saw these weekly meetings become a community for those who attended and I got to understand what they needed from me, whether it was help applying for a job or getting through a course at school to further their career. I gained a lot of insight on what this community needed and I hope to do the same here in Amherst; taking what I learn from on-the-ground-work and using that to eventually create tangible change in local policy in the future. 

In my free time I love to be outside, whether that’s hiking, swimming, or camping. I have been riding horses since I was very little and continue to do this on the UMass Equestrian team. I enjoy traveling, especially solo traveling, and getting the opportunity to meet people from around the world and experience different cultures. Above all, I have a passion for people and building up the community around me. 

Janet Lansberry

Role in ACC: Caseworker

Kendall Fiore

Role in ACC: Intern case manager

I wanted to work with the people Amherst Community Connections serves as I want to become involved and work hands on with the Amherst community. I am motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing significant challenges. I want to help marginalized communities and help to address the systemic issues, advocate for social justice, and contribute to positive change in their lives. My freshman year I attended San Diego State in California. During my time there I did a research project on the homelessness in California, which opened my eyes to the impacts of the broken systems and world we live in. The systems in place are extremely broken and I want to help those in need navigate them, hopefully leading to change. I am an aspiring lawyer and I am excited to begin helping out the people the Amherst Community Connections work with, as I’ve always had a passion for advocating for those in need. I want to be the fighting voice for those who are unable to. My parents are both lawyers, and growing up I saw them help those who are less fortunate and bring justice to their cases. The testimonies I have heard have inspired me to follow in their footsteps and become a person who realizes injustice and wants to work to fight against the systems. I am detail-oriented, organized, and have strong communication skills which will be useful in navigating the systems the Amherst Community Connections uses. Also, I am empathetic, patient, and resilient. In the face of challenging situations, I understand that progress may take time, but I will not stop fighting and working until justice is served for the Amherst communities' people. Through my previous jobs I have learned skills such as problem solving, interpersonal skills, and a teamwork mindset. Challenges may arise, but I will work to overcome them and assure those in need that I am doing everything I can to help them. I also can work independently, which will allow for personal connections to be made between myself and those that the Amherst Community Connections work with. With these skills, I believe I will be able to serve the community members effectively. 

Outside of work and during my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, going on hikes, running, and skiing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am also a food fanatic and love trying new foods.

Penny Reynolds

Role in ACC: Intern case manager

My name is Penny Reynolds, and I am a sophomore at UMass Amherst pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with the eventual goal of becoming a physician. 

Outside of my arrival at UMass I have spent most of my life in New Mexico, where I have been accustomed to a surrounding of diverse socioeconomic conditions, and had been raised predominately by a single mother. While my mother continues to serve as my driving force of inspiration, stemming mainly from her diligent and persevering disposition, we had often struggled to make ends meet. In confronting this, I had begun working at a young age to ensure that we were fiscally supported, and through this experience I have gained a meager understanding of the conditions that most impact low income communities. My goal as I continue to move into the professional sphere is to further this insight to better care for my future patients. I find the ability to comprehend circumstances ranging beyond the anatomical basis as an essentiality to create more compassionate approaches through clinical practice. I also often enjoy engaging myself in activities focused in the realm of human service, as ensuring the allocation of supportive means in addition to the expansion of accommodating resources is among the strongest passions of mine. I believe through my past experiences, alongside the comprehension I continue to gain through my voluntary work, that I will continue to strive in bringing passion into the face of adversity. 

Aside from this work, I often enjoy doing anything outdoors! Being from New Mexico, I love to go on hikes through mountainous terrains and take photos along the way. While I have cherished my time at UMass and on the East Coast so far, I find myself often missing the mountainous scenery and local wildlife of the desert terrain. I am also an avid tennis player, and though I sometimes lack talent for the sport, I always have fun while playing a match even if I never hit a single ball! My first time playing the sport had occurred during my freshman year of High School, when I had chosen to do the spontaneous and attend try-outs without ever holding a racket before. Someday, I hope to gain enough dexterity to provide free lessons to people of all ages and provide the joy I found through this sport to others, possibly starting a league of my own. 

Josh Berins

Role in ACC: Community Volunteer

I moved to Amherst when I was eleven and grew up here. I moved away for several years at a time on different occasions, but I kept coming back to the area because my family lives here and it is a great place to live.

I have known Hwei-Ling for many years as we live in the same neighborhood. After Hwei-Ling got me a job cooking breakfast at Craig's Place, I was looking for other volunteer work, so I joined ACC. I wanted to work for ACC because I could have very easily have ended up in a situation where I could have been homeless if I did not have the support of loving parents who allowed me to live with them.

I have many skills that I put to work at ACC such as bookkeeping, computer and printer help since I at one time I was a computer technician. I also help clients with case work, and I am on The Board of Directors at ACC.

In my free time I like to walk on the bike path or hike up a mountain. I also make Silver and Glass jewelry which I sell just outside of the Amherst Farmer’s Market and at Craft Fairs and Online. You can see my jewelry at www.jdbcreationsbyjoshua.com where I have my online store. I work in three mediums: Precious Metal Clay, dichroic glass, and wire wrapping of Stones.